DCC Kilifi Calls for Proactive Action Against GBV and Violent Extremism at Gender Sensitivity Training

HE. MR. MUINDE S. MUTISYA - DCC KILIFI COUNTY (Opening Speech during Gender Sensitivity Training)

The Gender Sensitivity Training for security actors, justice sector representatives and civil society organizations in Kilifi County opened with a strong call to action from Mr. Mutisya Muinde, the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) of Kilifi County, who challenged stakeholders to address the root causes fueling Gender-Based ViolencE and Violent Extremism.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Muinde underscored the need for proactive, collective action, noting that sustainable peace and safety cannot be achieved without confronting the systemic issues that continue to enable violence and exclusion.

“We must be proactive in preventing both Gender-Based Violence and Violent Extremism,” he said. “Can we truly be free from GBV while retrogressive norms and harmful cultural practices continue to thrive? Can we eliminate violent extremism while illiteracy and poverty persist in our communities?”

His remarks set the tone for the training by emphasizing that prevention goes beyond response mechanisms and requires tackling deeply rooted social, economic and cultural drivers. He called on security actors, justice institutions and civil society to strengthen collaboration and champion transformative approaches that promote gender justice, human rights and community resilience.

Mr. Muinde further described the training as a call to action for all stakeholders to confront these challenges jointly and work toward the change Kilifi County deserves.

The training brought together key actors to strengthen understanding of gender sensitivity, improve responses to GBV, and explore the intersection between gender, peacebuilding and prevention of violent extremism. It also provided a platform to reflect on the critical role institutions and communities play in advancing inclusive security and justice.

His message reinforced a central lesson of the training: meaningful prevention of GBV and VE begins with challenging harmful norms, addressing inequalities, and investing in informed, empowered communities.